Autumn in Perth

Flowers in season in Perth in May

12 flowers are at market in Perth in May, led by banksia, protea and orchids.

Natives and grown here 4

Scarlet banksia flower head with red styles and grey centre, Banksia coccinea near Albany
NativeMid-season

Banksia

Banksia spp.

National season guide

Red flowering gum in bloom, fluffy scarlet blossom with buds and gumnuts among leathery leaves
Native

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus spp.

National season guide

Golden orange flower clusters of silky oak grevillea among fern-like leaves
Native

Grevillea

Grevillea hybrids

National season guide

King protea in bloom with a silvery pink dome and pointed rose pink bracts
Grown hereMid-season

Protea

Protea spp. (including Protea cynaroides)

National season guide

Seasonal cut flowers 8

Salmon pink carnations with frilled petals speckled with water droplets
Exotic

Carnations

Dianthus caryophyllus

National season guide

Cushion of magenta pink chrysanthemum blooms with gold centres
Exotic

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum morifolium

National season guide

Decorative dahlia with coral pink petals fading to a butter yellow centre, set against dark green leaves
Exotic

Dahlias

Dahlia pinnata hybrids

National season guide

Yellow gerbera with a dark chocolate centre, framed by red and pink gerberas
Exotic

Gerberas

Gerbera jamesonii

National season guide

Stargazer Oriental lily fully open, deep pink petals edged in white and freckled with crimson spots
Exotic

Lilies

Lilium hybrids

National season guide

Ruffled purple lisianthus flower beaded with dew, seen from above
Exotic

Lisianthus

Eustoma grandiflorum

National season guide

Arching spray of dusty pink Cymbidium orchids with spotted yellow and red lips
Exotic

Orchids

Cymbidium hybrids

National season guide

Velvety red hybrid tea rose, Kardinal, in full bloom on the bush
Exotic

Roses

Rosa hybrids

National season guide

Farms and gardens to visit from Perth

Where to buy flowers in Perth

Most West Leederville wholesalers sell only to registered businesses, trading from about 5 or 6am to 2pm on weekdays and to about 10am on Saturdays. Flowers WA on Northwood Street says it welcomes the public, Monday to Friday 6am to 2pm and Saturday 7.30am to 11am. Out in the bush, look and photograph, and leave the wildflowers where they are. Lavender Estate at Carabooda and Nannup Lavender Farm are open most of the week.

Perth flower wholesalers (West Leederville)

Grow your own

Plant in May, flowers later

What to get in the ground in May. Pick your climate: planting times shift a month or two between Hobart and Brisbane.

Plant now in temperate areas

Gladiolicorms

  1. J
  2. F
  3. M
  4. A
  5. M
  6. J
  7. J
  8. A
  9. S
  10. O
  11. N
  12. D

Flowers in about 90 to 100 days, roughly 13 to 14 weeks.

How to plant gladiolus corms
  1. Plant from late winter in frost-free areas, and wait for early spring where winters are cold and wet.
  2. Choose full sun, sheltered from strong wind, in light, well-drained soil improved with compost and aged manure.
  3. Set corms flat side down, growing tip up, 10 to 15cm deep and 10 to 15cm apart. Groups of six to nine look best.
  4. Put stakes in at planting time so you don't spear the corms later. Tall spikes need the support once they open.
  5. Keep the soil moist while they grow but never boggy. Feed with a flower fertiliser before flowering.
  6. Plant a new batch every 4 to 6 weeks for a longer run of flowers.

Tip: Let the leaves brown and die off before cutting them back, as they feed the corm for next year.

Sources: diggers.com.au, gardenexpress.com.au, abc.net.au, ultimatebackyard.com.au, bunnings.com.au

Questions people ask

What flowers are in season in Perth in May?

Banksia, Protea, Orchids, Roses, Grevillea and Lilies, and 6 more are at market in Perth in May, based on the season for WA.

Where can I buy wholesale flowers in Perth?

Perth flower wholesalers (West Leederville): Perth has no single central flower market. The main wholesalers sit on one street in West Leederville and generally sell only to registered businesses, trading from about 5 or 6am to 2pm weekdays and to about 10am Saturdays. At least one, Flowers WA (22 Northwood Street), says it welcomes the public, Monday to Friday 6am to 2pm and Saturday 7.30am to 11am.

Are there flower events near Perth in May?

We don't have a flower festival listed near Perth in May. Kings Park and Botanic Garden is worth a visit this month.